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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: June 3, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 5-d <br /> SUBJECT: Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Solar Array Standards <br /> DEPARTMENT: Planning and Inspections <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> 1. Statement of Consistency Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director, (919) <br /> 2. Proposed Ordinance, Including UDO 245-2577 <br /> Text Amendments Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Program <br /> Manager, (919) 245-2626 <br /> 3. Planning Board Signed Statement of L. Karina Nabors, Sustainability <br /> Consistency and Excerpt of the Draft Specialist, (919) 245-2637 <br /> May 7, 2025, Meeting Minutes Jack Moran, Planner I, (919) 245-2571 <br /> 4. PowerPoint Presentation Cy Stober, Director, (919) 245-2592 <br /> PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing, receive the Planning Board and staff recommendations, <br /> receive public comment, close the public hearing, and consider action on County-initiated text <br /> amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to solar array standards to <br /> better achieve established UDO, 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and Climate Action Plan goals, <br /> clarify language for improved administration and enforcement, and reflect contemporary best <br /> professional standards. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department, in partnership with <br /> the Sustainability Office, has initiated amendments to UDO Section 5.9.6, Solar Array, and <br /> revisions to Article 10, Definitions. The proposed amendments are intended to be comprehensive <br /> in addressing overly complex text, and to improve interpretation and application for both staff and <br /> applicants. <br /> These amendments represents the first update to the solar standards since the adoption of UDO <br /> section 9.5.6: Solar Array UDO on November 8, 2012. Because best practices surrounding solar <br /> array residential and accessory standards have since changed, County staff has identified the <br /> need to update the language to reflect current practices. <br /> Orange County's Climate Action Plan prioritizes solar energy adoption as a foundational strategy <br /> for achieving renewable energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategy Built <br /> Environment and Energy (BE) 2.5.1 of the Climate Action Plan specifically calls for <br /> "implement(ingl an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects across the county." The <br /> purpose served by this text amendment is to carry out these objectives. <br /> As part of the commitment to advancing solar energy, Orange County earned a SolSmart <br /> designation, recognizing the County's efforts to make solar more accessible. By updating the <br />